Her Story to inspire on the Surf Coast

THE Sands Resort in Torquay will host an afternoon of storytelling, connection and empowerment later this year, when Art of the Minds’ annual Her Story event makes its way to the Surf Coast.

Now in its fourth year, the event celebrates women of all ages and from all walks of life, and will this year serve as a fundraiser for the volunteer-run not-for-profit organisation.

Mental health expert and author Kabinga Mazaba will be the keynote speaker and will share her own story of resilience, as well as insights from her best-selling book CONFRONT: Reclaim Your Life on moving through trauma and embracing self-love.

Her Story attendees will also hear from five-time mayor and Medal of the Order of Australia recipient Rose Hodge; and Rachel Bishop, an activist, artist and “endo warrior” whose EndoArt workshops have become a creative haven for people with endometriosis.

Art of the Minds president Sarah Molnar said women had powerful and challenging stories to share, and promised this year’s Her Story event would be both inspiring and educational.

“Gather your gals; it’s a fun afternoon, but it also has depth to it. You will walk away with your bucket full.

“You’ll get the champagne and the canapes and the beautiful views, but you also will feel nourished and connected to the community.

“The stories, they will range, and for a lot of us, it will be about having some self-care afterwards, but it will be meaningful and memorable for anyone who buys a ticket.”

This year’s event is aimed at reducing stigma, a theme the mental wellbeing-focused organisation plans to carry forward to this year’s Art of the Minds Festival, to be held during National Mental Health Week between October 6 and October 12.

“For this event it will be stigma of things like, what it’s like to live with endometriosis, what it’s like to have trauma,” Ms Molnar said.

“And also, when we talk about Rose, it’s about debunking what it is like to live a life of service to the community. Working for council can be a challenging space, and she’s done that with such grace.”

The event will also feature art stalls, a raffle and, with the support of Bunnings, a DIY terrarium station, along with live performances by Art of the Minds vice-president Elizabeth Riordan and 2024 Art of the Minds songwriting competition finalist Jasmine Jade.

The Secret Songwriters Club, a music project for preteen girls aged between eight and 12 launched by local musician Melody Moon last year, will also perform, with the event marking their first performance for the public.

Her Story will be held at The Sands Resort in Torquay on May 25 between 1pm and 4pm.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, head to artoftheminds.org.au